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KH

Khushali

3w

I am considering the Skoda Kyalq for intercity highway travel. Can you suggest whether it’s a good car and if there are any comparable SUVs I should consider?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
3w

The Skoda Kylaq is actually among the best compact SUVs for highway driving and long-distance travel, and there are several reasons for that.
First and foremost, it’s a very safe car, which is crucial when you’re cruising at triple-digit speeds on our unpredictable highways. It often shares tarmac with heavy trucks and erratic traffic. The strong build and solid high-speed manners immediately inspire confidence.

The 115hp 1.0 TSI engine delivers superb performance. It feels punchy in the mid-range, making overtaking manoeuvres quick and stress-free, something you’ll really appreciate on two-lane highways. The 6-speed manual gearbox offers a direct, mechanical feel with precise shifts that keen drivers will enjoy.

However, the 6-speed automatic is the one we would recommend for long-distance use. It’s smooth and responsive, and the manual override allows you to hold a gear when needed. This makes overtaking even easier and more controlled.

What really works in the Kylaq’s favour is its excellent ride-and-handling balance. It feels planted and stable at high speeds, yet absorbs road imperfections well, so you don’t feel fatigued after long hours behind the wheel. That blend of composure and comfort makes it a very reassuring highway companion.

The one thing missing is ADAS - advanced driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control (ACC), which, when used in the right conditions, can significantly reduce fatigue on long highway runs.

If ADAS is important to you, an alternative worth considering is the Mahindra XUV 3XO. It comes with Level 2 ADAS, including ACC. The 1.2 TGDi engine also delivers strong performance. 

However, while the 3XO is quick and feature-rich, it doesn’t quite match the Kylaq’s overall driving polish and high-speed composure.

Skoda Kylaq

Skoda Kylaq

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

GA

Gaut

3w

Is the AC powerful enough. I my test drive car, it was very weak

GA

Gaut

3w

Is the AC powerful enough. I my test drive car, it was very weak

NU

Nusrat

1w

Which variant of Volkswagen is suitable for driving within the city ?

HS

Harry S Anchan

2w

Cruise control is more suited to driving on U.S. or Canadian highways, where it is a must. Not in India where you have to brake too many times due to the unpredictable nature of things. Moreover, I would prefer train which is absolutely THE best way to travel comfortably and see the country, even better than flying.

MA

Martin Alex

2w

Yes it is a good choice I am using it, go for it, absolute class

SH

Shoaib

2w

Recently my birthday sons who are 22 & 24 who has not driven a car for more than 30 kms, went in our Skoka kyliaq from Bangalore to Ooty ( 269 kms - one way) and back in 2 days. Which is almost 550 kms. Saturday they started and Monday they were back... No Tiredness, fully happy... Skoda kyliaq is a great car for our Indian 🇮🇳 youngsters

SA

Sahil

2w

Kylaq is the best option.if you purchase 3xo Brezza nexon this car are you disappointed in highway.But kylaq riding you will never disappoint in highway and any road.

KU

kumar

3w

what is car preference for the weekend riders with monthly running of 600 km that too on highway. Suggest as per safety also

Latest questions people are discussing

AN

Anushank

1d

I am planning to sell my Mahindra XUV500 as it is nearing the end of its registration validity in Delhi NCR, and I want to buy a 5-seater SUV under ₹10 lakh. My preference is for a fuel-efficient car as my daily running is around 100 km, but it should also be spacious enough for five people. Since fuel efficiency is a priority, I am open to both CNG and diesel cars. My usage will be 70% city and 30% highway, mostly within Delhi NCR. I have narrowed my choices to the Maruti Brezza CNG, Tata Nexon CNG, Kia Sonet Diesel, and Maruti Fronx CNG. Please help me evaluate which would be the better option. I am also open to any other better option if available.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
13h

The Maruti Brezza CNG and Fronx CNG will be more fuel efficient than the Nexon iCNG, and their clutch and gearbox make them friendlier to drive, too. The Brezza is due for a facelift in the coming weeks, so you might want to wait for that to arrive. The Kia Sonet diesel will feel punchier to drive (than the CNG options listed above), while being very efficient too. Also, by opting for a diesel, you won't need to wait in long queues to refill CNG. Even the Sonet is due for a generation update, which is likely to be launched this year. Another option you could consider is the Mahindra XUV 3XO diesel MX2, which is more spacious than a Sonet. Its ride-handling balance is very impressive; the Sonet, however, has an edge in terms of fuel efficiency.

VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Fronx
VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
AM

Amay

1d

I am planning to buy a new petrol car with a manual gearbox. My budget is around ₹13 lakh. My usage will be 70% city and 30% highway. Could you please suggest SUV options within this budget?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
10h

The Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX A 1.2 Petrol GDI with the manual gearbox would be a good option to consider. It gets a 1.2-litre 131hp turbo-petrol engine that is the most powerful in the segment. It is a light and brisk 6-speed manual gearbox that is easy to use in the city. It is spacious on the inside with comfy, broad seats up front and a good amount of room at the rear. Bootspace isn't the best at 364 litres, but if you're primarily going to drive in the city, this shouldn't be a big problem. The performance is very good, the ride comfort is excellent, and you get a good amount of kit as well. A panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps, keyless entry with push button start, dual-zone climate control and more.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
SR

Srujan

6d

I really like the Skoda Kylaq 1.0 TSI AT, but I am unable to finalize my decision because of the rear seat space and a few other compromises. My other options within a ₹14 lakh budget are the Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX and the Nissan Magnite CVT. Considering these choices, which would be the best option overall? Also, what should I prioritise more in this segment - space and practicality or driving performance?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

It's a shame that the Skoda Kylaq's rear seat space is not quite up to the best in the segment, because otherwise it is a superb compact SUV that scores highly on most other counts. Of the other options, the Nissan Magnite, while capable and a great value for money, feels like a sub-segment lower in terms of quality, space and performance. The Mahindra XUV 3XO RevX should be your best bet because it offers both - performance and rear-seat space. In fact, it has one of the most spacious cabins in the segment, although the boot is a bit smaller than others. The RevX offers a good feature set as well, along with a few unique styling embellishments, and overall, we feel this is the one you should pick.

VehicleNissan Magnite
VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleSkoda Kylaq

Posted on: 19 Feb 2026